Influencer Licensing Rules Explained: UAE Law No. 55
Essential Licensing for UAE Influencers Under Federal Media Law No. 55 of 2023: Stay Legal and Compliant
Understanding Influencer Licensing in the UAE: Federal Media Law No. 55 of 2023
If you’re an influencer operating in Dubai, Sharjah, or anywhere in the UAE, earning money through paid collaborations, it’s crucial to stay updated on the latest regulatory changes. A recently implemented law could significantly impact how you work. Federal Media Law No. 55 of 2023 mandates strict requirements for influencers, including dual licensing. Ignoring these regulations can lead to hefty fines of up to AED 1 million or other legal complications. Here's what influencers need to know to comply.
The Two Licence Rule Explained
Until May 2023, influencers only needed an E-media License issued by the UAE Media Council. However, recent updates to Federal Media Law No. 55 of 2023 introduced stricter rules. Influencers are now required to hold two separate licences before legally publishing paid content:
- Business or Freelance Licence: This licence serves as the legal basis allowing influencers to earn revenue from brand collaborations, affiliate marketing, product sales, and more.
- E-media License: Once a trade or freelancer licence has been obtained, influencers need an E-media License to legally share paid content on social media platforms.
1. Business or Freelance Licence: Your Legal Backbone
The business or freelance licence is fundamental for influencers looking to legally monetize their activities. Whether collaborating with brands, running affiliate marketing campaigns, or selling products, this licence is mandatory. Without it, influencers face fines of up to AED 10,000.
In the UAE, this licence can be obtained through Free Zones. Licensing fees typically range from AED 5,000 to AED 15,000, depending on the type of setup chosen. Holding this licence allows influencers to sponsor UAE residency visas, sign business contracts, open bank accounts, and access other essential services for professional operations.
2. E-media License: Your Gateway to Legal Content Creation
The second required licence — the E-media License — is issued by the UAE Media Council and is specifically designed to regulate paid content published on social media platforms. This licence covers a wide range of media content, including video advertisements, podcasts, sponsored posts, and more.
Importantly, influencers must have a valid trade or freelance licence before applying for this permit. The E-media License costs AED 1,000 annually and ensures that influencers can legally work with brands, avoiding penalties for non-compliance.
What Influencers Must Follow to Stay Legal
In addition to licensing requirements, influencers must adhere to 20 content guidelines to ensure their activities align with UAE law. Content shared online must:
- Respect UAE values and traditions.
- Avoid defaming religion, government, or inciting public disorder.
- Comply with ethical and legal standards.
Violations of these guidelines could result in blocked content and heavy fines, up to AED 1 million. These rules are not intended to limit creativity but rather to create a safe, professional, and respectful digital environment.
Who Needs These Licences?
Anyone earning money online in the UAE must obtain both licences, including influencers, content creators, and digital agencies. This includes individuals in varied niches such as:
- Luxury & Lifestyle
- Tech & Gaming
- Food & Travel
- Fashion & Beauty
- Health & Fitness
- Business & Finance
- Micro-Influencers
If you create paid content on social platforms, be it as a YouTuber, podcaster, vlogger, or marketing agency, compliance is mandatory under Federal Media Law No. 55 of 2023.
FAQs About Influencer Licensing in the UAE
Do all influencers require these two licences?
Yes. Any influencer earning from paid collaborations, affiliate links, sponsored posts, or any other type of income-generating content is legally required to hold both licences.
What is the difference between a Trade Licence and an E-media License?
The Trade Licence grants legal permission for influencers to operate as a business entity, while the E-media License specifically allows them to publish sponsored or paid content on digital platforms.
AI contributed to the creation of this article.